Heavyweight boxing legend George Foreman has died.
The 76-year-old former champion died peacefully in his sleep on Friday surrounded by his family.
“Our hearts are broken,” a post from the Foreman family read on social media.
“With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr. who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025 surrounded by loved ones.
“A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose.
“A humanitarian, an Olympian, and two time heavyweight champion of the world, He was deeply respected – a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name for his family.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers, and kindly ask for privacy as we honour the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own.”
Foreman won an Olympic gold medal in 1968 before winning his first heavyweight title when he stopped Joe Frazier in 1973.
He defended the title twice more before fighting Muhammad Ali in Kinshasa, Zaire, in one of the most celebrated boxing matches in history – known as the Rumble in the Jungle.
Watched by an estimated one billion television viewers around the world, Foreman was shocked by underdog Ali as his trash-talking fellow countryman won by eighth round KO.
After a second professional defeat, Foreman hung up his gloves in 1977 and became an ordained minister at the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Texas.
Ten years later, Foreman was tempted out of retirement to raise funds for a youth centre he founded.
He won 24 consecutive fights before being beaten by Evander Holyfield in 1991.
He later became the oldest heavyweight champion in 1994 when, at the age of 45 and 21 years after his first title win, beat Michael Moorer with a stunning knockout. It’s a record that still stands.
Mike Tyson, the youngest heavyweight champion ever, posted: “Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.”
Tyson, known for his ferociousness, admitted no one could hold a candle to the power in Big George’s fists.
Jake Paul added: “Rest in Peace George Foreman and condolences to his entire family. He did great things inside and outside of the ring. Big George Forever Goated.”
NBA legend Magic Johnson wrote: “I was really sad to hear the news that one of my boxing heroes, George Foreman, passed away.
“I attended so many of George’s championship fights over his career. He was a knockout artist in the ring, and it was a pleasure getting to know him not only as a boxer but as a man.
“After leaving the ring, he turned into an amazing businessman – I even bought one of the first George Foreman grills! [My wife] Cookie and I will be praying for his family during this time.”
Top Rank chief Bob Arum said: “George was a great friend to not only myself but my entire family. We’ve lost a family member and are absolutely devastated.”
Nico Ali Walsh, the grandson of the great Muhammad Ali and a fighter himself, posted: “Rest in peace to one of the last remaining giants.. Sending much love and prayers to the Foreman family. May God grant him peace and paradise.”
Foreman retired from the sport in 1997 with a record of 76 wins and just five losses. Incredibly, 68 of his victories came via knockout.
Foreman found huge success in the business world after his retirement, through the George Foreman Grill.
Asked by AARP in 2014 if it is true he made more than $200m from the grill he replied: “Much more.
“There were months I was being paid $8m per month.”
He was married five times and is survived by 12 children.
